Christmas Cranberry Cream Cheese Trifle Cups
This delightful dessert is perfect for the holiday season, combining the tartness of cranberries with the creamy goodness of whipped cream and cream cheese. The Christmas Cranberry Cream Cheese Trifle Cups are not only easy to prepare but also make for an impressive presentation. Layered in individual cups, these trifles are visually stunning and full of festive flavors that will brighten any gathering.
Why Make This Christmas Cranberry Cream Cheese Trifle Cups
These trifle cups are a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. The refreshing tang of cranberry compote balances the rich and creamy filling, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s sure to please. They’re wonderful for holiday parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet ending to a festive meal. Plus, they can be prepared ahead of time, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Cream Cheese Trifle Cups
Crafting these trifle cups is as easy as 1-2-3! With just a few simple steps, you will have a dessert that looks beautifully layered and tastes heavenly. It’s all about the layers: the soft, cream cheese filling, the sweet-tart cranberry compote, and your choice of cake or cookies create a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. It’s the perfect way to bring seasonal cheer to your dessert table.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups cranberry compote
- Cake or cookies (such as pound cake or ladyfingers)
- Fresh cranberries and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form and gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
- In serving cups or a trifle bowl, layer pieces of cake or cookies at the bottom.
- Add a layer of cream cheese filling, followed by a layer of cranberry compote.
- Repeat the layering process until the cups are filled, finishing with a layer of cream cheese filling on top.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and mint leaves if desired.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1 trifle cup):
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 78mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 4g
How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Cream Cheese Trifle Cups
These trifle cups can be served as an individual dessert, making them easy for guests to enjoy. Place them on a buffet or dessert table for a stunning display. For an added touch, you can drizzle some extra cranberry compote on top or add a sprinkle of crushed cookies for extra crunch.
How to Store Christmas Cranberry Cream Cheese Trifle Cups
To keep your trifle cups fresh and delicious, store them in the refrigerator. They can be made a day in advance, which actually enhances the flavors as they meld together. Make sure to cover them with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent any odors from the fridge from affecting their taste. Enjoy them within 2-3 days for the best experience.
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Cranberry Cream Cheese Trifle Cups
- Make sure the cream cheese is completely softened for a smoother filling. Leaving it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes should do the trick.
- When whipping the cream, be careful not to overmix, as this can make it grainy.
- You can substitute the cranberry compote with store-bought or homemade cranberry sauce, depending on your preference.
- For a fun twist, consider adding some chocolate shavings or crushed peppermint on top as a garnish.
- If you want a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and heavy cream.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Cranberry Trifle: Use chocolate cake layers instead of vanilla pound cake, and add chocolate shavings between layers.
- Holiday Spice Trifle: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the cream cheese mixture for a spiced version perfect for winter.
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the layers for added texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make these trifle cups ahead of time?
Yes! These trifle cups can be made a day in advance. Just chill them in the fridge, and they’ll be delicious the next day. -
What should I do if I can’t find fresh cranberries?
If fresh cranberries are unavailable, you can use frozen cranberries, canned cranberry sauce, or even a store-bought cranberry compote. -
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream or whipped coconut milk as substitutes for the heavy cream to create a delicious dairy-free version.
Conclusion
The Christmas Cranberry Cream Cheese Trifle Cups offer a delicious and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. Their luscious layers and vibrant flavors make them a standout dessert that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and treat your family and friends to this delightful festive dessert. Enjoy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with us!
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Christmas Cranberry Cream Cheese Trifle Cups
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert combining the tartness of cranberries with creamy whipped cream and cream cheese, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups cranberry compote
- Cake or cookies (such as pound cake or ladyfingers)
- Fresh cranberries and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form and gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
- In serving cups or a trifle bowl, layer pieces of cake or cookies at the bottom.
- Add a layer of cream cheese filling, followed by a layer of cranberry compote.
- Repeat the layering process until the cups are filled, finishing with a layer of cream cheese filling on top.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and mint leaves if desired.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
Notes
These trifle cups can be made a day in advance to enhance the flavors. Store in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 78mg
Keywords: trifle, dessert, holiday, cranberry, cream cheese, festive
